I was the recipient of Christy’s box this month for Foodie Penpals, and was I thrilled with the amazing things she sent. The first thing that was great about my pen pal this month was getting to discover Christy’s blog. She has some great recipes! My eggplants are finally ready for picking and I tried her eggplant involtini recipe, which was fantastic. Her box was just as wonderful and Christy must be a mind reader for things people will love.

The first thing I noticed was a tin of Chana Masala. I did not tell Christy this, but I just went to a friend’s wedding in India this April and I am on an Indian food kick. It smells wonderful and is all set to be used for this tandoori salmon recipe I want to try out this weekend. There was a box of green tea chai. I don’t drink coffee, but looking at my desk at work right now, I have at least 8 kinds of tea and this is a great addition to the mix. The chocolate covered grahams were delicious and did not last long after the picture was taken. The olive oil is so good drizzled on a fresh picked tomato with a pinch of coarse salt. I have already made a note to get more of this oil when I run out. As if everything wasn’t wonderful enough already, Christy has also given me some of the wildflower honey from her hives. I am so jealous about her having beehives and the honey is so good that I haven’t figured out what is the best way to enjoy it yet. I don’t want to waste it on something that won’t really showcase the really floral flavor. On top of the food, I got a neat little bundle of the cutest things. There is a Pinocchio bottle stopper, adorable. There are also some cute little picks that will be fantastic on a cheese platter. And finally, a handy bottle opener that will be added to the wine opener in my picnic basket, since I always forget it doesn’t open bottles.

Thank you so much for all the delicious and fun treats, Christy. Your box was thoughtful and I appreciate everything you sent!